On Saturday the Norfolk Admirals, the Anaheim Ducks new affiliate, shutout the Charlotte Checkers in their preseason opener 3-0 at Norfolk Scope Arena.

A team that has familiar faces such as Troy Bodie, Kyle Palmieri, Emerson Etem, Devante Smith-Pelly – and the Ducks first-rounder in this year’s draft Hampus Lindholm – laced up their skates and played their first game of the 2012-2013 preseason . Already, fellow Ducks’ players have showcased the skill we are accustom to seeing them from the NHL.

Corey Elkins scored twice and Palmieri tallied a goal and an assist in the game. Etem helped the Admirals get on the board by beautifully setting up Elkins with a crisp pass across the blue line that was shot off at the hash marks. The puck ended up beating an aggressive Checkers’ goaltender Justin Peters in net. The Admirals were able to double their lead in party by Anaheim Ducks’ alumni, Smith-Pelly, who sent a cross-ice pass in the direction of Palmieri. Palmieri one-timed the puck from the left circle for goal number two.

Admirals’ goaltenders Frederik Anderson and Igor Bobkov combined for 25-saves in the shutout. Anderson recorded the most saves with 15 in an all-around great performance by the team. The Admirals were able to score on the power play during their five opportunities, the goal by Palmieri assisted by Smith-Pelly, with the extra man while the Checkers were only allowed three chances on the power play and came up empty. The two teams met today at Chilled Ponds Ice at Turf Sports Complex in Chesapeake where the Admirals fell short, 3-4, after a remarkable third period comeback. The Admirals struck early in the final frame with a goal by Kenndal McArdle and roughly ten minutes later when Chris Wagner chipped a shot over John Muse. The Admirals open the regular season next Friday on October 12 against the Worcester Sharks.

It’s comforting to know the youngins on the Anaheim Ducks have decided to play with their affiliate where they can continue to flourish and remind us why they’re in the pros.

Considering that there’s a lockout in the professional league, I guess that gives us fans ample time to learn more about what’s taking place in the minors. Either that or you can do what I’m doing at this moment and find yourself watching the New Jersey Devils at the Florida Panthers from last years playoffs on the NHL Network. Hearing the sounds of the game surely does help me sleep at night.

For more information throughout the season follow me on twitter @mdintheoc and on Facebook — Michelle Drinnenberg –